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| A grab from ISIL video posted online purportedly showing Japanese journalist Kenji Goto's beheading |
Washington/London/Paris: World leaders have condemned ISIL’s “vicious murder” of Japanese journalist Kenji Goto after the group released a video purportedly showing his beheading.
In a statement released by the White House, US President Barack Obama said, “The United States condemns the heinous murder of Japanese citizen and journalist Kenji Goto by the terrorist group ISIL. Standing together with a broad coalition of allies and partners, the United States will continue taking decisive action to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL.”
“The barbaric killing of Kenji Goto, and of Haruna Yukawa before him, shows again ISIL’s brutality and extremist agenda. The United States knows this pain on a personal level born of our own experience,” US Secretary of State John Kerry said in a statement.
United States commended Japan’s support for those in the region who have been displaced by ISIL, the Syrian regime, and other militant groups.
In London, British Prime Minister David Cameron “utterly condemned” the “despicable and appalling” act.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of Mr Goto and Mr Yukawa and the Japanese people as they come to terms with the murder of two innocent citizens in such a brutal manner. Britain stands united with Japan at this tragic time and we will do all we can to hunt down these murderers and bring them to justice, however long it takes,” Cameron added.
“Resolutely” condemning the brutal murder, French President Francois Hollande vowed that France and Japan would continue to work together for peace in the Middle East and to eliminate terrorist groups.